Half of the people on our planet are 30 or younger, and this is expected to reach 57 percent by the end of 2030. The Arab region has the largest youth cohort between the ages of 15–29 making up around 30 percent of the population.[1] They constitute an unprecedented opportunity for their countries and the region. 

Technology is a major contributor to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving progress and innovation across various sectors. In the Arab States region, digital transformation has played a significant role in facilitating this progress. From enhancing healthcare and education systems to improving environmental sustainability and economic development, digital solutions have revolutionized traditional practices, leading to more efficient and effective outcomes. This rapid growth in digital infrastructure and technology adoption has enabled several Arab countries to address complex challenges, bridge gaps, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development.

Last year, during the general assembly UNGA78 2023, UNDP launched an initiative “Digital for Sustainable Development” to foster sustainable development worldwide and advance the SDSG. The initiative launched a call to action to harness the power of inclusive digital transformation to accelerate progress in the Arab States region towards sustainable future, with the aim of building resilient societies. 

Digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 percent of the 169 SDG targets while potentially reducing the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion. Digital technologies and data contribute to at least 70 percent of the 169 SDG targets, highlighting their broad applicability and transformative potential. By leveraging digital solutions, we can streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce the cost of achieving these goals by up to USD 55 trillion, thereby accelerating sustainable development on a global scale.[1]

Although, globally, 80 percent of those aged 15 to 24 use the internet in 2023, disparities continue to emerge, with youth in low-income countries, women and urban populations having less access to the internet and digital skills compared to their counterparts.[2] 

Arab States reflect a similar trend with 78 percent of those aged 15 to 24 being online—12 percentage points higher than the 66 percent usage rate among the rest of the population. The Arab States region has made significant steps in internet usage and digital inclusion, yet similarly, notable disparities persist. As of 2023, internet usage among women stands at 64 percent, compared to 74 percent for men. Yet despite this gap, the region has shown remarkable improvement in gender parity for internet use, with the score rising from 0.79 in 2019 to 0.87 in 2023.  Similarly, a significant urban-rural divide remains, with 82 percent of urban residents using the internet in 2023, compared to just 51 percent in rural areas.[3] Moreover, the digital divide in the region may widen, with disparities in access and affordability exacerbated by the ongoing instability.  In the Arab region, economic crises, conflicts, political instability, and natural disasters have significantly affected internet access mainly through damages to infrastructure, frequent power outages, and economic hardships.

The theme of the International Youth Day this year is “From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development” to celebrate the digital contributions of youth, who can inspire others to innovate and collaborate towards achieving sustainable development.

As we are celebrating today the International Youth Day, learn how youth across the Arab States region are leading the way to digitilization to leave no one behind and achieve the sustainable development goals across the region.

Libya